Inca Trail permits 2026: new availability, dates and tips

From next Monday, November 17, 2025, at 08:00 am, the Ministry of Culture will allow the sale of Inca Trail permits for 2026. Remember that these permits can be purchased only through tour operators authorized by the Peruvian government, such as TreXperience.

tourist in archaeological site | TreXperience

The final countdown has begun. If you’ve been dreaming about the Inca Trail hike and the classic sunrise at the Sun Gate, now’s the moment to move! Some travelers think the Inca trail availability for 2026 would open in 2026; however, the official release for the 2026 season starts on November 17, 2025 (the next Monday).

All 2026 start dates for the Classic 4-day route and the Short 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu will begin releasing, following a month-by-month schedule starting November 17. If you want a hand with dates, paperwork, and logistics, the TreXperience team can guide you through Inca Trail permit availability in real time and handle the purchase for you.

January 2026 → Opens Nov 17
March 2026 → Opens Nov 18
April 2026 → Opens Nov 19
May 2026 → Opens Nov 20
June 2026 → Opens Nov 21
July 2026 → Opens Nov 24
Aug–Dec 2026 → Opens Nov 25

>>We guide you on how to book your permits for the Inca Trail 2026 here!

Why should I purchase my Inca Trail 2026 tickets in advance?

Popular months (especially May, then April and June) tend to sell out first, so early action helps lock the dates you want. Coincidentally, these months are also the best time to hike the Inca Trail.
Operators must purchase Inca Trail permits on your behalf using your passport details; incomplete info can delay booking and cost you your slot.
In addition, spots are limited, only 500 per day, and move fast once sales begin. Of this amount, many tickets are reserved for tour guides, road cooks, and porters, leaving only about 200 spaces per day for tourists.
You cannot travel alone or on your own; you need to go through an authorized travel agency. They will take care of the logistics (tents, food, transportation) so you can just enjoy the experience.

By TreXperience

Published: 13 Nov 2025 | 14:31.

Reviews

4happytravel0507 November 11, 2025

Just book it!

Fantastic experience made even better by our guide Filio. Nice amount of adventure without being too difficult. Great food and Filio was so knowledgeable on the history of the area. Highly recommend!

View full review

Eduardo November 12th, 2025

Inca Trail 4 Days – Small Groups & Vistadome Train

★★★★★

No words. Just incredible. I was blown away by the service given to me and would definitely rebook for another excursion. Simply put, worth the money.

Patricia G Nov 11, 2025

Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu

We had a fabulous time on the Short Inca Trail. It was difficult but the view at the end made it all worth the effort! Roseml was an excellent tour guide and the porters, chefs and support staff were absolutely amazing. I can't imagine carrying all of those supplies up that trail. . .we had enough with just our own small backpack! So happy that we did this tour.

TreXperience Peru November 11, 2025

This was our best time yet in Peru!

This was our best time yet in Peru! Special mention to our guide, Filio, who was kind, experienced, and resourceful. We really appreciated that this company is mainly Quechua-owned: it made the experience feel truly authentic, and you can tell they know their land, culture, and history inside out. A culture that can truly be proud of its heritage. The only small drawback is that the company offers many different options, so it’s important to read all the details carefully and ask questions before booking.

Dylan November 12th, 2025

Ultimate Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu

The 5-Day Salkantay Trek with TreXperience was the adventure of a lifetime. Our guide, Anthony, didn’t just lead us, he cared for us like family. He kept the group safe, set a perfect pace, and shared stories and insights that made the Andes come alive. Every day felt thoughtfully planned and joyfully executed. A huge shout-out to our chefs, Ismael and Tibu, who turned camp meals into something we looked forward to! Every day fresh, delicious, and amazing! The effort this team poured into our experience was obvious in the big things (safety, logistics, comfort) and the small touches that made us feel seen and taken care of. Unforgettable from start to finish. If you’re considering a guided trek, stop searching and book TreXperience and if given the chance ask for Anthony! You’ll be in the best hands. Thank you for making our Peru trip unique, personal, and truly memorable.

D. F Nov 11, 2025

Hotels for the people for the 2

This was a fantastic adventure! TreXperience was world class. The planning process was smooth and easy with Rosmel Roque, and the guided tour was fantastic. Our guide was Rosmel, he was excellent. Extremely knowledgeable, fun to be around, and he went above and beyond his duties to insure we had a great trip! Thank you TreXperience!

Charles H November 10, 2025

Food festival with amazing views :)

The entire tour was absolutely amazing, unforgettable experience! We were thoroughly impressed by every detail, from the stunning nature and beautiful trails to the excellent organization and comfortable camping spots. Our guide, Cesar, was fantastic. He made the experience feel safe, was incredibly informative and funny :) And the food? The food was top-notch! A massive shout-out must go to the chef and the entire team for preparing such varied and delicious meals. They even went above and beyond to surprise me with a wonderful birthday cake for breakfast, which was a very thoughtful touch! Thank you for an incredible adventure.

Brad October 31st, 2025

It’s hard to put into words how extraordinary our luxury Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu truly was. From the moment we were met in Cusco by our guides and support team, we knew this was going to be something special, not just a hike, but a deeply moving, flawlessly orchestrated journey through history, nature, and culture. Every detail had been thought of. Our guides were knowledgeable, full of warmth and humor, weaving stories of Incan engineering, ancient rituals, and mountain legends into each day’s trek. They had a sense for when to pause for photos, when to rest, and when to simply stand in silence as the clouds rolled across the Andes. The staff, the team of porters, chefs, and support crew were nothing short of heroic. Somehow, while we hiked with light packs, they would race ahead to set up an immaculate campsite! Reaching Machu Picchu on the final day felt like the culmination of something much greater than a hike, it was a pilgrimage. Our guides secured the perfect timing to enter through the Sun Gate just as the first light hit the citadel. This journey exceeded every expectation of comfort, care, and connection. The professionalism and heart of every guide, porter, chef, and organizer turned a challenging trek into an unforgettable, soul-stirring experience. If you’re dreaming of the Inca Trail and want to do it in absolute style and comfort, this is the team to trust.

LC B Nov 10, 2025

Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu

A very well organised trip with an outstanding guide Juan de Dios. The 3 meals a day were freshly prepared, tastefull and had a great variety of dishes. The logistics of the tour were perfect, nowhere to wait. Our stuff, not being part of the daypack, was always delivered by the staff before we arrived. We enjoyed the 5 day trail and group dynamics every minute.